During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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