During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. 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 Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions 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.
