An Compassion of Unknown Individuals: How a Person I Barely Knew Supported Me Land the Job That Transformed My Existence

In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large 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 engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off 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 city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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