In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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