In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed 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 graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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