The Generosity of Strangers: The Way a Gentleman I Only Just Encountered Supported Me Secure the Job That Changed My Life

In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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