During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane 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 finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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