In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. 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. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
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