In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen 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 taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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