In the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had booked a two-week stay there on the way to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at a prestigious New York university. He asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a degree in science and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I dismissed the idea, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where anything feels possible – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to earn a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an elite institution and request employment. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have four amazing children. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
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