During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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