In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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