In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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