In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
