In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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