During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview 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 immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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