In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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