During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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