During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish 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 numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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