In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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