During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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