In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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