The Kindness of People We Don't Know: How a Gentleman I Barely Knew Helped Me Obtain the Job That Altered My Path

During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.

What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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