During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over 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 straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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