During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.