During the closing decade of the 80s, I was embarking on a backpacking trip to Europe with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in NYC, we had booked a 14-day stopover there before heading to London.
We arrived at the graduate housing, a sizeable multi-story edifice on the Upper West Side named International House. Setting down our luggage, we headed straight to the cafeteria, where we grabbed food, took a seat, and started talking to people eating there.
Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He asked me what I did, and I told him that I had recently completed my studies with a scientific background and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He mentioned that there was an research lab at the institution – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I should apply for a role with them. I chuckled at the suggestion, explaining that I was heading off to Europe and, even more importantly, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I ventured out, returning to the canteen that evening. The Iraqi student walked over to me and informed me that he had set up a meeting for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but immediately informed my host that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a place where opportunities abound – she responded: “That can be arranged. What's your start date?” I missed my plane to London.
I held that position for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I was granted complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I would never have had the courage or self-belief to contact anyone at an Ivy League university and ask for a job. Moreover, I had consistently hoped to pursue education overseas, but could never have afforded it without that free tuition.
What's more, that role at the university led me to a job in Zurich where I met my beautiful French husband, with whom I am raising four amazing children. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person redirected my path 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 want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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