In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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