During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. 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 taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes 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 full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
