In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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