In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered 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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