During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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