During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, 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 the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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