In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off 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 night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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