In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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