During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped 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 position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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