In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me 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 microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know 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 showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
