During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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