During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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