During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing 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 night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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