During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
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 a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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