During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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