In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program 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 with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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