During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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