During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
