In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, 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 research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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