During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview 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 right away 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 everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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