During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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