In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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