During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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