In the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me 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 scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. 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. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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