During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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