In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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