In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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