In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. 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. Since he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
