During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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