In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich 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 forever grateful.
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