During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place 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 three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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