During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you choose. What you share are protected, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.