In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess 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 let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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