In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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