During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path 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 are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
