During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, 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 eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
