During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed 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 attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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