In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me 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 attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
