During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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