During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered 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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