In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me 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 attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met 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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