An Compassion of Strangers: How a Person I Had Just Met Supported Me Secure the Job That Transformed My Existence

During the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been conducting research with electron microscopy.

He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my prospective employer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I worked there for three years. One of the benefits was that I got complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his full name, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.

Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?

From brightening your mood to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.

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