In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over 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 gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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