During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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