🔗 Share this article

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.

We got to the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his remarkable generosity altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

Tell us about the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?

From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.