In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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