In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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