During the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed 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 paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the aim of this article.
