In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered 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 eternally thankful.
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