During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, 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, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, 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. 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 free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
