In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. 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 got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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