In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, 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 led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
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From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
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