In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got 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 remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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