In the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I went to the meeting – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.
