During the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.
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