During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a 14-day stopover there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the Manhattan's Upper West Side named International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door 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 dismissed the idea, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I went to the meeting – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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