In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, 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 told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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