During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger 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 altering your path, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
