During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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