During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route 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 picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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