In the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall 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 head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, anonymously if you choose. What you share are secure, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
