During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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