During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to 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 straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, 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 role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
