During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
