In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “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 was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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