The Generosity of People We Don't Know: The Way a Man I Only Just Encountered Assisted Me Land the Role That Changed My Life

In the final years of the 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.

We arrived at the graduate housing, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.

Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He asked me what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.

He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering department, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but right away explained to my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

In typical New York fashion – a place where anything feels possible – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.

I held that position for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich 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 set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Someone You Didn't Know Has Shown for You?

From brightening your mood to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.

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