During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Shown for You?
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