In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, 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 Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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