During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me 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 conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out 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 consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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