During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position 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, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed 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 informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the aim of this article.
