During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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