In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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