During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my friend was exploring pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the engineering department, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, 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 night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to contact anyone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that educational benefit.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From brightening your mood to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
