In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got 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 can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. What you share are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
