During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to 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: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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