In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia 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 working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed 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 anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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