In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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