In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met 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 Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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