In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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