In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a friend. Because my travel mate was considering starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We arrived at the student accommodation, a large ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side called International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the canteen, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and started talking to other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at Columbia University. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I explained that I had recently completed my studies with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the university – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He proposed that I consider applying for a job with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, more critically, I did not possess a US visa.
The following day I ventured out, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq walked over to me and told me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I never got on that flight to London.
I held that position for three years. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I took advantage to finish a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
What's more, that gig at Columbia resulted in a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I now have a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m eternally thankful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Shown for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are confidential, and are solely for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
