During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
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From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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