During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student came up to 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 taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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