During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat 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 just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising 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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