In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, 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 leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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