In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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