During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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