During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer 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 responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in 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 helpful person changed my trajectory 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 changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
