In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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