During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that 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 unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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