In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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