During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
