In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
