During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. 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 take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about 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 stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
