In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
