During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up 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 went to the meeting – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe 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 benevolent individual 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?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
