During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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