In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq 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 just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
