During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my companion was considering enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. 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 brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and are intended for the aim of this article.
