In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course 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 changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
