In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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