In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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