In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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