During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached 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 went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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