During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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