In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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