In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
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 consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly 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 engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary 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 never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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