During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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