In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
