In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered 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 forever grateful.
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