During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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