During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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