In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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