During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin 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 just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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