During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I my profession was, and I explained that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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