In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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