In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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