During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to 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 made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed 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 position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
