During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Most Generous Act a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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