In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background 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 faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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