In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview 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 told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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