In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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