In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
