In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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