In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him 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 university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know 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 went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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