During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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