During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a position with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The engineering student approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off explained to my host 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 said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
Critically, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
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