During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
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 proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
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