In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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