During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received 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 am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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