During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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