In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
