In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
