In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have 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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