During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight 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 lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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