In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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