During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met 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 forever grateful.
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