The Generosity of Unknown Individuals: The Way a Gentleman I Barely Knew Supported Me Secure the Job That Transformed My Existence

In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. 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. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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