An Generosity of Strangers: How a Gentleman I Only Just Encountered Assisted Me Obtain the Job That Changed My Life

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. 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 took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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