In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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