In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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