In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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