During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. 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 took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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