During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
