In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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