In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his identity, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we want to hear about random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
