During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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