In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
