In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to 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 taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the aim of this article.
