In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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