During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role 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 ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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