In the closing decade of the 80s, I was beginning a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had booked a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with other diners.
Adjacent to my seat was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did, and I told him that I had newly finished with a scientific background and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.
He pointed out that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, coming back to the dining hall that night. The man from Iraq came up to me and told me that he had set up a meeting for me with the director of the microscopy lab at Columbia. Given that he had made the arrangement, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “We can make that happen. When can you start?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I took advantage to earn a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his identity, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to reach out at an prestigious college and ask for a job. Additionally, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Perhaps most importantly, that gig at Columbia led me to a job in Zurich where I encountered my beautiful French husband, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. That encounter altered everything. That benevolent individual set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we are interested in random meetings that have remained in your memory.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, keeping your details private if you prefer. What you share are secure, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
