During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know 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 attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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