In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him 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 electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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