During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a large 10-storey building on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off informed my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or self-assurance to contact anyone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four wonderful sons and daughters. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
We invite you to tell us if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
