In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we got some food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door 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, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, 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 leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in numerous aspects. I lacked the bravery or nerve to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Shown for You?
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