In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
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 would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
