In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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