During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
