In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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