In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door 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, saying 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, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer 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. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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