In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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