In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
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 newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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