During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job 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 next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq walked over 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 taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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