During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. 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 was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
