During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer 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 responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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