In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place 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. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
