In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe 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 set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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