During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared 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 – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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