During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
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