During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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