During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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