During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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