During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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