During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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