During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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