During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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