In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
