In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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