During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn 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 so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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