During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “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 was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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