During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close 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, telling him that I was about to fly 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 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. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for 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 benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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