During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion 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 explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded 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 am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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