In the final years of the 1980s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my companion was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. And, I had long dreamed to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
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 now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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