During the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a low-cost journey to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had booked a fortnight visit there on the way to London.
We reached the graduate housing, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, took a seat, and engaged in conversation with fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq enrolled in an engineering program at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I my profession was, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The following day I went out exploring, returning to the canteen that night. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion 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 immediately informed my host that I didn’t have a visa, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.
In typical New York fashion – a metropolis where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. What's your start date?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I worked there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got free tuition at Columbia, and I took advantage to complete a graduate degree in global studies.
I lost touch with him and I am unaware of his identity, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I didn't possess the courage or self-assurance to reach out at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a job in Zurich where I got to know my handsome spouse from France, 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.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Stranger Has Ever Done for You?
Whether it's cheering you up to altering your path, we would love to know chance encounters that have remained in your memory.
Please share your story if you are an adult, anonymously if you choose. The stories you tell are protected, and will only be used the purpose of this feature.