During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person 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?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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