The Generosity of People We Don't Know: The Way a Person I Had Just Met Helped Me Secure the Position That Changed My Life

During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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