During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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