During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out 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 ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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