During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – 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 metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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