In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia 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 performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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