In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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