In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received 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 full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
