During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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