In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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