During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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