In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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