During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
