During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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