In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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