In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned 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 called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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