In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me 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 straight off explained to my prospective employer 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: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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