During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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