During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “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. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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