During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity 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 confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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