During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
