During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at the university – adjacent 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, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
