In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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