During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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