During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for three years. A perk of the job was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.