In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted 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 don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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