In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course 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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