During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to 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 gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – 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 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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