In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. 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 Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.
