An Compassion of Unknown Individuals: How a Person I Barely Knew Helped Me Secure the Role That Altered My Path

During the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a friend. Because my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We got to the student accommodation, a large multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.

He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the engineering faculty, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.

The next day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The engineering student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I showed up for the discussion – but immediately told my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.

I worked there for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a master’s of international affairs.

I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his full name, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

What's more, that job in New York resulted in a role in Europe where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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

From making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have stuck with you.

We invite you to tell us if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.