In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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