In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying 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 evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage 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 altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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