In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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