During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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