During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
