In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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