During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we went directly to the canteen, where we grabbed food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at Columbia University. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been conducting research involving microscopic analysis.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a position with them. I laughed it off, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The man from Iraq came up to me and let me know that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away told my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I missed my plane to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Moreover, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That kind stranger redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Please share your story if you are of legal age, keeping your details private if you prefer. The stories you tell are secure, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
