During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, 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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