During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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