During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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