During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall 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 went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
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 three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish 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 altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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