During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent 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, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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