In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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