In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland 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 kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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