In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
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, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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