During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away 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 responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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