In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
