In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know 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 redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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