During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared 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 research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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