During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background 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 school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met 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 eternally thankful.
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