During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, 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 studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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