During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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