In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told 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 went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted 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 job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, 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 forever grateful.
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