In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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