In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role 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 name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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