In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off 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 evening. The engineering student walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you wish. Your responses are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
