In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired 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 – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland 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 benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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