During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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