In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
