In the late 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to the European continent with a companion. Since my companion was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had planned a two-week stay there before heading to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a big ten-floor structure on the Manhattan's Upper West Side known as International House. After dropping our bags, we made our way to the canteen, where we picked up meals, sat down, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Adjacent to my seat was an gentleman from Iraq studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an microscopy facility at the university – adjacent to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He recommended that I ought to seek a position with them. I dismissed the idea, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, coming back to the dining hall that night. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but straight off told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she declared: “That can be arranged. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft 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 took advantage to finish a master’s of international affairs.
We didn't cross paths after that and I can't recall his full name, but his selfless gesture altered my destiny in so many ways. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to contact anyone at an elite institution and seek a position. Moreover, I had long dreamed to take classes in another country, but lacked the financial means without that free tuition.
What's more, that gig at Columbia led me to a role in Europe where I got to know my wonderful partner, with whom I now have a family of four kids. It was a total sliding doors moment. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
From cheering you up to changing your life, we would love to know unexpected interactions that have remained in your memory.
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