During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know 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 attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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