In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my companion was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the dining hall, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He asked me 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 using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was why he was aware of it. He recommended that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that evening. The Iraqi student approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion 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 explained to my prospective employer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
I never saw that student again and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the bravery or nerve to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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From cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have left a lasting impression.
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