During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team 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 probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there 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.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, 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 now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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