During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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