In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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