In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” 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 used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising 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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