During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have 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 always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
