During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity 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 so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
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