During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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