In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the aim of this article.
