During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
