During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “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 was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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