In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, 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 research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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