The Generosity of People We Don't Know: How a Person I Barely Knew Supported Me Secure the Job That Altered My Path

In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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