In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, 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 eternally thankful.
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