In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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