During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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