During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising 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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