During the late 1980s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Since my travel mate was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side called International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the canteen, where we grabbed food, sat down, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been conducting research using an electron microscope.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – adjacent to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I ought to seek a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The Iraqi student came up to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Since he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but right away explained to my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I worked there for three years. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I didn't possess the courage or self-belief to reach out at an Ivy League university and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's making your day to transforming your future, we want to hear about chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, without revealing your identity if you prefer. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
