During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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