In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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