In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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