During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
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 suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got 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 incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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