During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called 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 fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. 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. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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