During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Critically, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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