In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next 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 organized a discussion 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 informed my prospective employer 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: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane 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 took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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