During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately told my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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