In the late 1980s, I set out on a backpacking trip to the European continent with a companion. Because my friend was considering starting a postgraduate program in the Big Apple, we had booked a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the canteen, where we got some food, found a table, and started talking to other diners.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did for a living, and I shared that I had newly finished with a degree in science and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He pointed out that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – right next door to the engineering faculty, which was how he knew about it. He recommended that I should apply for a job with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that after dark. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Since he had made the arrangement, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my host that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
In typical New York fashion – a city where opportunities abound – she said: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a master’s of international affairs.
I never saw that student again and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to approach someone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that role at the university resulted in a position in Switzerland where I encountered my wonderful partner, with whom I now have four amazing children. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.
What is the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's making your day to changing your life, we would love to know random meetings that have stuck with you.
Feel free to recount your experience if you are an adult, without revealing your identity if you wish. The stories you tell are confidential, and are intended for the goal of sharing inspiring stories.
