In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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