In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted 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 name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. 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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