In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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