The Compassion of People We Don't Know: How a Gentleman I Had Just Met Supported Me Land the Position That Changed My Life

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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