During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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