In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know 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 told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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