During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York 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 using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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