In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my travel mate was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
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