In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
