In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 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 grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq 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 told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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