During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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