During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
