In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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