During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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