In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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