During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition 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 name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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