In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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