During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
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 recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York led me to 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 helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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