In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
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 consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
