During the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student came up to me and informed me 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 straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I lacked the confidence or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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