During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat 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 explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
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