In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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