In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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