In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered 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 forever grateful.
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