In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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