During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, 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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