During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
