In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree 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 science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
