During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted 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 handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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