During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of 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, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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