During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, 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 always appreciative.
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