During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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