During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
