In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
