In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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