During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a large 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the confidence or self-belief to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's 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, keeping your details private if you choose. What you share are protected, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
