In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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