In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to 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 my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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