In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because 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.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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