During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over 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 gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, 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 four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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