During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, 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, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
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 prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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