In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
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 lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for 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 helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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