In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
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