In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city 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 no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
