In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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