During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my companion was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was soon departing to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “That can be arranged. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I can't recall his name, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and request employment. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered 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.
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Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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