During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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