During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that 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 unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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