During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended 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.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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