During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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