In the late 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Since my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a large ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the dining hall, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Beside me was an Iraqi man 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 science degree and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the university – close to the engineering faculty, 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 heading off to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but immediately explained to my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted no-cost classes at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness changed my life in so many ways. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to approach someone at an prestigious college and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that job in New York resulted in a position in Switzerland where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share 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 Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's brightening your mood to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you wish. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the aim of this article.
