In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition 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 identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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