During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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