In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, 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 leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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