During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, 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 heading off 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 after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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