In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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