In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired 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 using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
