In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – 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 responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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