During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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