An Compassion of Strangers: The Way a Person I Barely Knew Supported Me Land the Position That Changed My Life

In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

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

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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