During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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