In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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