In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student 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. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
