During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me 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 informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in 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 eternally thankful.
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