In the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a friend. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been working on studies involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I should apply for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a role in Europe where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you prefer. Your responses are secure, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
