The Compassion of Strangers: How a Gentleman I Had Just Met Helped Me Land the Role That Changed My Life

In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the postgrad residence, a big multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to people eating there.

Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man pursuing an engineering degree at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.

He pointed out that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.

A day later I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that evening. The engineering student walked over to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but straight off informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was unable to accept the role.

As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.

We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his identity, but his incredible act of kindness transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the bravery or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.

What's more, that job in New York led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path in life, and I’m always appreciative.

Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.

Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.