In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me 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 straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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