In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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