During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting 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 informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have 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.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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