In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared 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 microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student 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 taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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