During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.
