In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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