During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 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 got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes 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 multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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