During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer 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 declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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