During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering 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 showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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