During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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