In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – 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 metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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