During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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