In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and will only be used the aim of this article.
