During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Because my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed 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 finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the courage or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
