During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place 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 three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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