During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
