During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
