In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
