In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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