During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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