In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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