During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
