During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. 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 big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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