In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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