During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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