In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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