During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
