During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe 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 benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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