In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off 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 came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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