In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role 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 name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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