In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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