During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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