In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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