In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
