In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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