During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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