In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, 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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