In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly 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 evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
