During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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