In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
