In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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