In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion 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 told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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