In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have 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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