During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, 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 did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him 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, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
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