In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
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 suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
