In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
