During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, 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 pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. 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 using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. 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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