In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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