In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, anonymously if you wish. What you share are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
