An Generosity of Strangers: The Way a Man I Barely Knew Assisted Me Obtain the Job That Altered My Path

During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to 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. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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