During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and informed 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 straight off told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for three years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
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