In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. 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 role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
