During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, 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.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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