In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 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 began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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