In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out 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 free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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