During the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my companion was exploring enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a two-week stay there en route to London.
We arrived at the postgrad residence, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, sat down, and began chatting with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an Iraqi man studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked 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 head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off told my host that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a place where opportunities abound – she said: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the confidence or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that role at the university paved the way for a job in Zurich where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four wonderful sons and daughters. That encounter altered everything. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about unexpected interactions that have left a lasting impression.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. Your responses are confidential, and are solely for the purpose of this feature.