In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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