In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi 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. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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