In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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