In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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