In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.
