In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his 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 elite institution and seek a position. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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