In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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