In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, 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 pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached 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 right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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