In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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