During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a friend. Since my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia 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 conducting research with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the engineering faculty, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He proposed that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him 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 confidence or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that educational benefit.
What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
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From brightening your mood to transforming your future, we would love to know chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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