An Compassion of People We Don't Know: The Way a Man I Had Just Met Supported Me Secure the Job That Changed My Life

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.

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