During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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