In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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