In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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