During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him 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 research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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