In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told 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 straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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