During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane 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 complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered 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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