During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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