In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading 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 went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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