During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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