During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We got to the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that after dark. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
