During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. 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 conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition 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 identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. 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 Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
