In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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