In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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