During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a two-week stay there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for three years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. And, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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