In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, 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 encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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