During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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