In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance 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 changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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