During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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