During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, 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 Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq 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 made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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