During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing 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 after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host 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'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
