In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight 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 enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland 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 helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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