In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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