During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared 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 – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following 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 director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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