During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, 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 wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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