During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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