In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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