In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day 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 director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis 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 a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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