In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested 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 next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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