In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know 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 went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
