During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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