During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. 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. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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