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 friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated 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 – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
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 four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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