In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn 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 altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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