During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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