During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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