In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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