In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia 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 set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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