In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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