In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told 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 can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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