During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, 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 always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you prefer. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the aim of this article.
