The Generosity of Strangers: The Way a Man I Barely Knew Supported Me Obtain the Role That Altered My Path

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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