In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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