In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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