During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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