During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university 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. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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