An Generosity of People We Don't Know: How a Gentleman I Had Just Met Helped Me Obtain the Job That Transformed My Existence
During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job 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 don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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