In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
