During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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