During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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