In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments 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 the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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