During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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