An Kindness of Strangers: The Way a Person I Had Just Met Supported Me Land the Job That Transformed My Existence

In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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