🔗 Share this article

During the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.

We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.

Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I ought to seek a job with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that night. The engineering student came up to me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but straight off told my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I worked there for 36 months. A perk of the job was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m eternally thankful.

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

From cheering you up to transforming your future, we want to hear about random meetings that have remained in your memory.

Please share your story if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are intended for the aim of this article.