During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, 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 an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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