During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
