During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen 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. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. What you share are secure, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.
