In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies 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 recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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