In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. 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?
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