In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes 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 selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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