In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – 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 three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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