In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We got to the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – close to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I ought to seek a job with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The engineering student came up to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
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