During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education 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 full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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