During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped 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 role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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