During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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