In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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