In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off 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 metropolis 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 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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