During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” 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 complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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