In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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