During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached 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 dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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