In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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