During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. 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 got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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