In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared 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 microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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