During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich 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.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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