During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining 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 man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
