During the late 1980s, I was embarking on a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a travel partner. Because my travel mate was interested in starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big multi-story edifice on the UWS named International House. After dropping our bags, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and began chatting with other diners.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He asked me what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an research lab at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I should apply for a position with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and told me that he had organized a discussion for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
As is common in NYC – a place where everything seems achievable – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture changed my life in multiple respects. I lacked the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Additionally, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that gig at Columbia paved the way for a role in Europe where I met my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual changed my trajectory in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to transforming your future, we are interested in chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
