An Generosity of Strangers: The Way a Man I Had Just Met Helped Me Secure the Job That Transformed My Existence

During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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