In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
