During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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