During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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