During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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