During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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